|
I think intelligence is a spectrum and not an all or nothing. The animal kingdom has examples of all points on that spectrum. There is obviously a large gap between humans and apes, that allows us to have abstract thought, appreciate art, and similar examples of human intelligence, but other species clearly demonstrate the ability to learn and understand or to deal with new or trying situations.
Various species demonstrate remarkable degrees of problem solving. An octopus can accomplish several serial tasks to get at food. Marine mammals as well as wild dogs and cats can work together to hunt, and then share the proceeds. Apes have been witnessed using tools. My first greyhound did not understand the concept of "play" when I got her. I had toys which she just ignored. I dog sat for my sister, and by the end of the week, she was having a ball playing with the toys, just like she had seen her "cousin" do. That is learned behavior that was not enforced by any stimuli other than the shear pleasure of the activity itself.
Animals clearly have emotions as well. I don't think they should be too closely compared to human emotions, but clearly they miss certain people or other animals when they leave. They are comforted by contact with other animals and people.
All that having been said, some of 'em are just plain ol' good eatin'.
__________________
I was there to see beautiful naked women. So was everybody else. It's a common failing.
Robert A Heinlein in "They Do It With Mirrors"
|